BYU, Cal announce two-game series

PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University and the University of California today announced the schools have agreed to a two-game football series in 2014 and 2017. The teams will meet at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Nov. 29, 2014 with a second game being played at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Sept. 16, 2017 (see update below).

“This is obviously a unique series for me,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe who coached football at Cal from 1996-2001. “Cal is a world-class academic institution with a historic football tradition. Playing in the newly remodeled Memorial Stadium will be a treat for our team and the Cougar faithful who attend the Berkeley matchup, and having the Golden Bears play at LaVell Edwards Stadium will be a great game for our home fans.”

BYU and Cal have previously played three times in football, with the Cougars holding a 2-1 series advantage. No. 24-ranked BYU won the first meeting 38-28 on Oct. 9, 1999 in Provo, while Cal won the last meeting 35-28 on Dec. 22, 2005 at the Las Vegas Bowl.

Cal was founded in 1868 and began playing football in 1886. The Golden Bears are members of the Pac-12 Conference. Cal has played in 24 bowl games and won five national championships.

BYU was founded in 1875 and played its first season of intercollegiate football in 1922. The Cougars won the 1984 national championship and have appeared in 30 bowl games. BYU has been ranked in the Top 25 during seven of eight seasons under head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

Kickoff times and broadcast plans for the series will be announced at a later date.

UPDATE (January 2015): The game in Provo orginally scheduled for 2017 at LaVell Edwards Stadium has been changed to the 2018 season